U.S. patent application number 14/227540 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-20 for in-ground trampoline pad system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tracy Burnham, R. Kyle Nelson. Invention is credited to Tracy Burnham, R. Kyle Nelson.
Application Number | 20140342880 14/227540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51896221 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140342880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson; R. Kyle ; et
al. |
November 20, 2014 |
IN-GROUND TRAMPOLINE PAD SYSTEM
Abstract
An in-ground trampoline including a frame, trampoline mat, a
plurality of springs and a protective pad. The protective pad
incorporates a permeable material to allow for the passage of air
through the protective pad. The in-ground trampoline system may
also include a retaining wall which may comprise self-locking
panels. In some embodiments, the self-locking panels may be
attached to the frame of the in-ground trampoline.
Inventors: |
Nelson; R. Kyle; (Lehi,
UT) ; Burnham; Tracy; (Pleasant Grove, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nelson; R. Kyle
Burnham; Tracy |
Lehi
Pleasant Grove |
UT
UT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51896221 |
Appl. No.: |
14/227540 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61824971 |
May 17, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/00 20130101;
A63B 5/11 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/27 |
International
Class: |
A63B 5/11 20060101
A63B005/11 |
Claims
1. An in-ground trampoline system, comprising a trampoline
including a frame, a trampoline mat, a protective pad, and a
plurality of coiled springs; wherein the protective pad includes at
least one orifice defined there through.
2. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 1, wherein the
protective pad further comprises a plurality of orifices defined
therein.
3. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 2, further comprising a
mesh covering formed on top of the protective pad, wherein the mesh
covering includes a plurality of orifices.
4. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 2, wherein the orifices
comprise one of a circular cross-section, a square cross-section,
an elliptical cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a polygon
cross-section, or a random cross-section.
5. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 1, wherein protective
pad is between 0.001 inches and three feet thick.
6. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 5, wherein the
protective pad is approximately one inch thick.
7. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 1, further comprising a
retaining wall, wherein the retaining wall includes a plurality of
interlocking panels.
8. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 1, wherein the frame is
coupled to the retaining wall.
9. A trampoline protective pad, comprising: an upper covering; a
lower covering; and a foam member disposed between the upper and
lowering coverings; wherein the foam member includes a plurality of
orifices defined therein.
10. The trampoline protective pad of claim 9, wherein the upper
covering includes at least a portion formed of a permeable
material.
11. The trampoline protective pad of claim 10, wherein the
permeable material is made of a mesh material.
12. The trampoline protective pad of claim 11, wherein the mesh
material includes a second plurality of orifices.
13. The trampoline protective pad of claim 9, wherein the orifices
comprise one of a circular cross-section, a square cross-section,
an elliptical cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a polygon
cross-section, or a random cross-section.
14. The trampoline protective pad of claim 9, wherein the foam
member is between 0.001 inches thick and three feet thick.
15. The trampoline protective pad of claim 14, wherein the foam
member is one inch thick.
16. The trampoline protective pad of claim 9, wherein the upper and
lower coverings are substantially covered by the mesh material.
17. The trampoline protective pad of claim 9, wherein the upper
covering includes a plurality of segregated portions made of a mesh
material.
18. An in-ground trampoline system, comprising: a retaining wall; a
trampoline including a frame, a trampoline mat, a protective pad,
and a plurality of coiled springs; wherein the protective pad
includes an upper covering, a lower covering, and a foam member;
wherein the foam member includes a first plurality of orifices
defined therein.
19. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 18, wherein the foam
member is one inch thick.
20. The in-ground trampoline system of claim 18, wherein the upper
covering includes at least a portion formed of a mesh material,
wherein the mesh material includes a second plurality of orifices.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/824,971, filed on May 17, 2013, and entitled
"In-Ground Trampoline Mat System," which application is
incorporated herein in its entirety by the above reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to trampolines, and
more specifically to in-ground trampolines and protective pads
associated therewith. The present in-ground trampoline system is
particularly advantageous for provision of a more safety compliant
configuration in view of conventional sub-surface trampoline
systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Trampolines have long provided popular recreational and
sports related activities, and are increasingly utilized for
establishing physical fitness via cardiovascular, strength and
resistance training, and for improving physical control,
coordination, and mental acuity. In particular, trampolines are a
popular recreational use amongst children and young adults.
Historically, athletes engaged in competitive gymnastics also
utilize trampolines. Other uses include dive training to simulate
and practice aerial maneuvers.
[0004] Although popular in use, above-ground trampolines are often
characterized as unsafe recreational and/or sports training
implements, due in large part to the significant and
ever-increasing number of trampoline-related injuries.
Specifically, the most common trampoline-related injuries include
sprains, cuts, contusions, and various forms of bodily fractures,
including life-threatening fractures to the skull and spine. Many
such injuries occur when the trampoline user falls from the
above-ground trampoline and sustains injury upon impact with the
surface below and/or with other fixed objects in the area
surrounding the trampoline. The extent of the injuries is often
exacerbated by the added height of the above-ground trampoline.
When combined with the jump height, the added height of the
trampoline increases the energy of impact, which, in turn,
increases the extent and severity of the injuries.
[0005] In an effort to reduce the number of trampoline fall-related
injuries, medical societies and associations recommend that the
trampoline jumping surface or mat be positioned at ground level,
thereby significantly reducing the drop or fall height, and thus,
the likelihood and/or severity of injuries resulting from the same.
Notwithstanding such recommendations, barriers to implementing
trampoline systems with a ground-level jumping surface, include
cost, non-standard design and construction requirements,
difficulties in construction, and/or difficulties in disassembling
and relocating the in-ground trampoline unit.
[0006] In response to the need for an in-ground trampoline system
(i.e., placing the trampoline jumping mat or surface at ground
level), a number of in-ground trampoline systems have been
developed that can be installed, for example, by a homeowner or a
landscaper. One such example is exhibited by U.S. Pat. No.
7,691,032, which patent is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0007] However, in-ground trampoline placement creates additional
issues not present when the trampoline is located above-ground.
Often in-ground trampolines do not have adequate ventilation to
release air trapped below the trampoline mat when a jumper
compresses the mat. Essentially, the jumper compresses the mat,
thereby reducing the volume below the trampoline system. Since the
base of the trampoline is now sub-surface, sidewalls prevent the
escape of the now compressed air. Consequently, the compressed air
is forced past the protective pad. Because traditional protective
pads are made of a pad wrapped in a nylon or other polymeric
coating, the compressed air cannot escape through the protective
pad, resulting in the air forcing the protective pad up and down in
response to the compression and expansion of the sub-mat volume.
Along with the noise and distraction associated with the rise and
fall of the protective pad, the restricted air flow can reduce the
force returned by the trampoline mat, thereby reducing the
potential height of the jumper. These issues often cause users to
remove the protective pad and operate the trampoline with the
support structures and springs exposed to the user. This condition
greatly reduces the safety of the system.
[0008] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for
an in-ground trampoline system that provides maximum safety, while
eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages typically associated
with an in-ground trampoline.
SUMMARY
[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the present system and method
overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing an in-ground
trampoline including a frame, trampoline mat, a plurality of
springs and a protective pad. The protective pad may incorporate a
permeable material or configuration to allow for the passage of air
through the protective pad. According to one exemplary embodiment,
one or more orifices may be formed in the protective pad. In some
embodiments, the in-ground trampoline system may also include a
retaining wall.
[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment, the present
system provides a trampoline protective pad including an upper
covering, a lower covering, and a foam member. In some embodiments,
the foam member may include a plurality of orifices.
[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment, the present
system provides an in-ground trampoline system with a retaining
wall and a trampoline. The trampoline may include a trampoline mat,
a protective pad, and plurality of springs. The protective pad may
comprise an upper covering, a lower covering, and a foam member.
The foam member may include a plurality of orifices defined
therein.
[0012] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include an in-ground trampoline
system having a trampoline including a frame, a trampoline mat, a
protective pad, and a plurality of coiled springs.
[0013] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the protective pad
having at least one orifice defined there through.
[0014] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, wherein the protective pad further comprises
a plurality of orifices defined therein.
[0015] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include a mesh covering formed
on top of the protective pad, wherein the mesh covering includes a
plurality of orifices.
[0016] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the orifices comprising
one of a circular cross-section, a square cross-section, an
elliptical cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a polygon
cross-section, or a random cross-section.
[0017] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the protective pad being
between 0.001 inches and three feet thick.
[0018] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the protective pad being
approximately one inch thick.
[0019] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include a retaining wall,
wherein the retaining wall includes a plurality of interlocking
panels.
[0020] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the frame being coupled
to the retaining wall.
[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment, a trampoline
protective pad includes an upper covering, a lower covering, and a
foam member disposed between the upper and lowering coverings,
wherein the foam member includes a plurality of orifices defined
therein.
[0022] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the upper covering
including at least a portion formed of a permeable material.
[0023] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the permeable
material is made of a mesh material.
[0024] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the mesh material having
a second plurality of orifices.
[0025] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the orifices
comprise one of a circular cross-section, a square cross-section,
an elliptical cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a polygon
cross-section, or a random cross-section.
[0026] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the foam member
is between 0.001 inches thick and three feet thick.
[0027] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the foam member
is one inch thick.
[0028] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the upper and
lower coverings are substantially covered by the mesh material.
[0029] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the upper
covering includes a plurality of segregated portions made of a mesh
material.
[0030] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, an in-ground
trampoline system includes a retaining wall, a trampoline including
a frame, a trampoline mat, a protective pad, and a plurality of
coiled springs. Wherein the protective pad includes an upper
covering, a lower covering, and a foam member, wherein the foam
member includes a first plurality of orifices defined therein.
[0031] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the foam member
is one inch thick.
[0032] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include wherein the upper
covering includes at least a portion formed of a mesh material,
wherein the mesh material includes a second plurality of
orifices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary
embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the
specification. Together with the following description, the
drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present
system and method. The illustrated embodiments are examples of the
present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0034] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a trampoline,
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a trampoline being inserted
into a subsurface depression, according to one exemplary
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a
sub-surface trampoline illustrating the direction of air escape,
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary pad
configuration, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0038] FIGS. 5a-5d are perspective views of exemplary pad
configurations, according to various exemplary embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of exemplary pad
configurations, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of exemplary pad
configurations, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0041] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar but not necessarily identical elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The present specification describes a system and a method
for a protective pad including a plurality of air passages or
orifices configured to allow for the passage of air through the
protective pad, without significantly reducing the protection and
safety level of the pad. Further details of the present exemplary
systems and methods will be provided below.
[0043] The present exemplary ventilated protective pad may help
reduce airflow restriction of trampolines installed at
ground-level. Exemplary embodiments may allow trapped air to flow
freely through the protective pad, which may increase the bounce
quality of the in-ground trampoline, and may reduce "pad slap,"
where the air from jumping normally forces the standard
non-ventilated protective pad up, causing it to slap back down on
the springs.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a standard trampoline 20, according to
one exemplary embodiment. As shown, the trampoline 20 includes a
structural frame 30 having a top ring (not shown), a trampoline mat
22 upon which a user bounces, and a plurality of resistive elements
(not shown), for example, springs, coupling the mat 22 to the
structural frame 30. A protective pad 26 is illustrated as covering
the springs and the structural frame 30, typically to protect the
user.
[0045] Now referring to FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of an
exemplary in-ground trampoline system is shown including a
retaining wall 12 lining the wall of a pit 16, configured to
receive the trampoline 20. The trampoline 20 comprises a trampoline
mat 22, a protective pad 26, a frame 30, and a plurality of legs
28. The mat 22 may be coupled to the frame 30 by a plurality of
resistive elements (not shown) such as, for example, springs, ties,
cords, or combinations thereof.
[0046] In constructing an in-ground trampoline assembly, the user
first creates a pit 16. The pit 16 is a depression below the
surrounding surface 32 of sufficient depth to receive the
trampoline 20. For example, the depth of the pit 16 may be
substantially equivalent to a height of the trampoline 20. The
retaining wall 12 may be placed within the pit 16 to maintain the
pit geometry. The pit geometry may be substantially similar to the
geometry of the trampoline 20. The retaining wall 12 may be created
from a single panel or a plurality of panels 14. The plurality of
panels 14 may be coupled together, for example, the panels 14 may
be coupled via screws, glue, resistive elements, brackets, snap
fit, or any such combination. In some embodiments, the plurality of
panels 14 may be interlocked with each other. The panels 14 may
form a barrier capable of stabilizing the wall of the pit 16. The
trampoline 20 may be placed within the pit 16 and may be supported
by the trampoline legs 28 which may rest on the bottom of the pit
16. The retaining wall 12 may be connected to the trampoline 20
after the trampoline 20 is placed in the pit 16. In other
embodiments, the retaining wall 12 may be coupled to the structural
frame 30 and the retaining wall 12 and the trampoline 20 may be
placed in the pit 16 simultaneously. For example, the structural
frame 30 may be affixed to the retaining wall 12 via a series of
clamps, screws, bolts and nuts, compression members, glue,
brackets, or any other means sufficient to couple the retaining
wall 12 and the structural frame 30. In some embodiments, there is
no structural retaining wall 12 at all.
[0047] In exemplary embodiments, when the trampoline 20 is placed
within the pit 16, the trampoline mat 22 may be preferably at
substantially the same height as the surrounding surface 32, thus
reducing the potential danger of injury to a trampoline user who
may fall off the trampoline mat 22 and may impact the surface
32.
[0048] In other exemplary embodiments, the insertion of a
trampoline 20 into the pit 16 may typically result in a tight fit.
For example, the distance between the edge of the trampoline 20 and
the wall of the pit 16 may be substantially negligible. In some
embodiments, the tight fit may prevent potentially dangerous gaps
between the trampoline 20 and the surrounding surface 32.
Consequently, inadequate and/or nonexistent ventilation may prevent
the escape of air when the volume under the mat 22 is compressed by
a user jumping thereon. As such, the potential bounce may be
decreased and pad slap may occur.
[0049] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when a user bounces
on the mat 22 (illustrated by the downward arrow), the mat 22 may
depress into a space 34 below the mat 22, thereby reducing the
total effective volume below the mat 22. This reduction in
effective volume may increase the air pressure below the mat 22
which may cause the air to seek an escape. The air may be forced
past the springs as illustrated by the two lower arrows in FIG.
3.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary protective pad system 26
may allow for the passage of air from beneath the mat 22 without a
reduction in user bounce or user safety. According to one exemplary
embodiment, the protective pad 26 may include a foam member 44. The
foam member 44 may be water resistant and/or mold resistant and may
consist of a permeable material. For example, the foam member 44
may be sufficiently permeable to allow for the flow of air there
through. The foam member 44 may be between approximately 0.001
inches and approximately three feet thick, and have a width
sufficient to at least partially cover the frame 30 and/or springs.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the foam member 44 may be
between approximately 0.25 inches and 3 inches thick; and ideally
may be approximately one inch thick.
[0051] The foam member 44 may be formed of any number of
substantially cushioning materials. According to one exemplary
embodiment, the foam member 44 may be formed of either a high
density or low density foam including, for example, a polyurethane
foam, a high density polyurethane foam, an Evlon or Lux foam, a
high resilience foam, a latex rubber foam, a supreme foam, a rebond
foam, a memory foam, a closed cell foam, a high density urethane
foam, XPS foam, polystyrene foams, phenolic foams, and the like. As
noted above, the foam member 44 may be, according to one exemplary
embodiment, a water resistant and/or mold resistant one inch foam
pad. In some embodiments, the thickness of the foam pad may vary
between approximately 0.001 inches and approximately three
feet.
[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the
foam member 44 may include a plurality of orifices 46 formed
therein to allow airflow between a top 48 and a bottom 50 of the
foam member 44. The orifices 46 may allow for the escape of air
compressed by the trampoline mat 22 during use. As illustrated in
FIGS. 5a-5d, the orifices 46 formed in the foam member 44 may
assume any number of cross-sectional shapes including, but in no
way limited to, triangles, circles, ellipses, squares, rectangles,
polygons, and the like. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 5c, any
combination of orifice shapes and sizes may be simultaneously used
therein. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 5d, the orifices 46
may be sufficiently small that they are not easily viewed, but
still effectively provide a conduit for the passage of air between
the foam member 44. According to one exemplary embodiment, the foam
including the plurality of orifices 46 may be formed in the foam
member 44 using any number of manufacturing methods including, but
in no way limited to, forming the orifices in mold during the
expansion of the foam, using the Talalay process, using the MDI
process, continuous extrusion, lamination, post foam manufacturing;
such as cutting, melting, stamping, and the like.
[0053] Referring back to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the
protective pad 26 may include an upper covering 52 and a lower
covering 54. The foam member 44 may be disposed between the upper
52 and lower 54 coverings. According to one exemplary embodiment,
at least a portion of both the upper 52 and lower 54 coverings may
be formed of a sufficiently permeable material that may allow air
to pass through the pad 26 and coverings 52,54 during use of the
trampoline 20. While the material may be any permeable material,
according to one exemplary embodiment, the upper 52 and lower 54
coverings of the protective pad 26 may be substantially formed of a
nylon mesh. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the entire upper covering 52
of the protective pad 26 may be covered by a substantially mesh
material. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, segregated portions of
the upper covering 52 of the protective pad 26 may be covered by
the mesh material sufficient to allow for the passage of air.
Subsequently, the entire lower covering 54 may be covered by a
substantially mesh material and/or segregated portions of the lower
covering 54 may be covered by the mesh material.
[0054] In addition to providing increased air flow, the present
exemplary system may provide a surface which does not reach the
same extreme temperatures as traditional vinyl pads when exposed to
direct sunlight. By maintaining a substantially ambient
temperature, the present exemplary protective pad 26 may be more
user friendly than standard protective pads.
[0055] The preceding description has been presented only to
illustrate and describe the present method and system. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present system and method
to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
are possible in light of the above teaching.
[0056] The foregoing embodiments were chosen and described in order
to illustrate principles of the system and method as well as some
practical applications. The preceding description enables others
skilled in the art to utilize the method and system in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
present exemplary system and method be defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *